NELSONVILLE, Ohio — The Nelsonville-York City Board of Education met on Thursday, Jan. 23, to appoint a new school board member after a former member resigned last year.
Michael Elliott will replace David Kline, who resigned from the board by letter on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. Elliot will serve out Kline’s unexpired term, which ends Dec. 31, 2027.
On Thursday, Jan. 9, the board sent out a press release seeking applicants to fill Kline’s unexpired term.
During the Jan. 23 special board meeting, all members of the board were present: Board President Micah Covert, Vice President Gary Edwards and members Albert Brooks and Lacey Douglas. They interviewed community members Alan Warren, Adam Fowler and Elliott in executive session.
“This was a difficult decision,” Covert said. “We had three pretty awesome candidates, three great gentlemen. First, we just want to say that we’re thankful that all three of you took an interest in this position and have continued to stay involved in our school district.”
Elliott has two children in the district schools; he is district manager at Burr Oak Regional Water District.
“I debated on running for school board a few times, so I thought it was a good opportunity,” Elliott said. “It came up, so I thought I’d throw my hat in.”
Elliott cited his children as a reason why he decided to pursue the opportunity, but also his interest in giving back to the community. He holds three degrees from Ohio University — an associate degree in law enforcement, a bachelor’s in criminal justice and a master’s in computer education and instruction technology — and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in higher education and student affairs.
Budgeting and financing are among his primary focuses.
“Hopefully I can get in tune with what the state’s doing and what the taxpayers want to see,” he said. “At the end of the day, that’s what it’s about, being a liaison between the school and the community.”
Elliot’s background also gives him a unique perspective, he said. “I think management skills, budgeting skills, governance, all those things, higher education experiences — all have a good lens to the school board.”
Covert told the other applicants not to be discouraged because they weren’t chosen for the seat.
“We’re only picking one person. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t want your continued involvement in the school district and that doesn’t mean you may or may not be sitting up here on the board,” he said. “We have an election this year, and so we just want to thank all three of you for coming in and expressing interest and for everything you do in our community.”
Covert’s and Edwards’ terms expire this year. The next election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 4 to fill those positions.
The next Nelsonville-York City Board of Education meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. in the junior high/high school cafeteria at the Nelsonville-York City Schools campus, at 1 Buckeye Drive, Nelsonville.
